Hybrid Return

Social & Financial Investments

GAINS MADE TODAY PROVIDE FOR EVEN MORE GOOD TOMORROW

Every investment serves a purpose for the Otto Bremer Trust. We refer to those meeting both social and financial objectives as delivering hybrid returns. These can range from program-related investments with like-minded organizations, our 92 percent ownership of Bremer Bank, or participation in other mission-driven initiatives. Explore the different ways innovative finance is facilitating more good for our communities.

Hybrid Return Focus

Investment Types

Program-Related Investments (PRIs)

Bremer Bank

Mission-Driven Initiatives

Program-Related Investments (PRIs)

Program-related investments are an important tool we use to provide capital to qualified organizations. These organizations—with demonstrated capabilities in areas consistent with our Trust and capable of entering into appropriately documented financial transactions—work with us to further social impact and financial objectives. Financial returns on our investments contribute to our resource base and will be reinvested in support of our mission. PRIs can include financing methods commonly associated with banks or other private investors, such as loans, loan guarantees, linked deposits, and even equity investments in nonprofit organizations or in commercial ventures for charitable purposes.

Bremer Bank

The Otto Bremer Trust is a bank holding company that owns 92 percent of Bremer Bank, a nearly $12 billion financial services institution with operations throughout the three-state region. Bremer Bank, through its many community-based branches, plays an important role in community health with committed local employees who provide superior banking services to businesses and individuals and are personally involved in their communities. We see Bremer Bank as more than just a financial institution. At its core, it is a community bank that grew from Otto’s original portfolio of “countryside banks.” Even as we’ve grown, we maintain that local focus that sets Bremer Bank apart.

Mission-Driven Initiatives

On occasion, unique investment opportunities arise that fit our mission while providing a financial return to the Trust. While these may not fit neatly within our grantmaking or program-related investment categories, they receive due consideration because they are an avenue to meet our objective of investing for impact.

The Impact

SUCCESSFUL INVESTMENTS DELIVERING HYBRID RETURN

We are seeking organizations that successfully contribute to both the financial and social capital within a community. Here is a link to some of our notable partnerships.

Recent Grant Recipients

Community Involvement Programs

$150,000 | 2019 | Minneapolis, MN

To provide technology support for the merger of Community Involvement Programs and Ally People Solutions

The Family Partnership

$250,000 | 2019 | Minneapolis, MN

To build an urgently needed, one-stop resource center that will help break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and trauma for families in the Phillips and Powderhorn neighborhoods.

The Sheridan Story

$250,000 | 2019 | Roseville, MN

To support capital needs, specifically to retain adequate and well-priced inventory.

Partner With Us

When seeking opportunities to generate a hybrid return for the people in the Upper Midwest, there are numerous complexities to consider. We find it beneficial for all parties to begin the partnership process with exploratory conversations. If you represent an organization that may be able to provide hybrid returns, we welcome the opportunity to talk with you. To start the conversation, please contact one of our directors.